Local News
Atlantic Storm Watch: Virgin Islands Monitors Three Potential Threats
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is closely monitoring three disturbances in the Atlantic that could impact the Virgin Islands. The most distant of these, Disturbance 3, located just off the coast of the Cabo Verde Islands, has now intensified into Tropical Depression 7. Meanwhile, Disturbances 1 and 2 are moving into areas with conditions only marginally conducive to development over the next week.
Early model forecasts suggest that Disturbances 1 and 2 may not develop into significant storms, while Tropical Depression 7 appears likely to strengthen but is expected to steer clear of the Virgin Islands. Nonetheless, residents are urged to stay vigilant, as conditions in the Atlantic can change rapidly. With hurricane season reaching its peak, the potential for increased activity — and a greater threat to the Virgin Islands — remains high.
The DDM will continue to track the westward progress of these disturbances and provide updates at 5:30 p.m. today, or sooner if necessary.
Local News
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Health
Health Minister Calls for BVI Health Services Authority Chairman’s Resignation
A significant shift occurred within the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board when Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley requested the resignation of Chairman Ron Potter.
The reasons for this request remain unclear, and it has not yet been confirmed whether Potter has complied. Potter, who was appointed Chairman in 2023, succeeded Moleto A. Smith, a U.S. Virgin Islands resident who was also reportedly compelled to step down.
The Cabinet’s decision to remove Smith and appoint Potter was formalised in a document from the Cabinet’s meeting on March 8, 2023. At that meeting, the Cabinet decided to appoint Potter, a former Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation, to lead the BVIHSA Board for a three-year term, pending approval by the House of Assembly.
Smith’s removal, which took place before the end of his contract set to expire in July 2024, was not fully explained. The Cabinet cited Schedule 1, Section 3(1) of the BVI Health Services Authority Act 2004 as the basis for Smith’s removal. This provision allows the Minister of Health to remove a board member if they have been absent from three consecutive meetings without consent, become disqualified, unable to fulfil their duties, or breached their appointment conditions.
Further details about the potential changes at the BVIHSA remain undisclosed, and no official statement has been issued regarding the matter.
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